Livescore
Tylor Megill has been solid since being called up from Triple-A to replace an injured Paul Blackburn in the rotation, but now that the trade deadline acquisition is just about ready to return, what does that mean for the big right-hander?
The Mets have a rotation of veteran arms in Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Luis Severino to pair with young lefty David Peterson who all have helped the team to an incredible stretch that includes their current seven-game win streak.
But the Mets could use an extra arm in the bullpen, especially a “long man” which Megill could fit the bill.
“I’ve pitched in the bullpen, started, it’s nothing new to me,” Megill said on his comfort level pitching out of the bullpen. “If that’s what they want me to do, so be it. I want to help this team win. If that’s what I need to do, that’s what I’ll do.”
Megill started Wednesday’s game against the Red Sox, an 8-3 win, but pitched only four-plus innings while allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out three batters.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Megill gave his team a chance on Wednesday by limiting the damage, but that they have not come to a decision on where Megill will go once Blackburn is activated — he’s eligible to return for the Blue Jays series next week.
It’s difficult to predict how the Mets will approach this decision because of Megill’s mixed-bag year, This recent two-start stretch encapsulates that perfectly.
In his first start back from Syracuse, Megill struck out six and allowed just one run across 5.1 innings in a Mets win, which he followed up with Wednesday’s short outing.
“Had ups and downs, been up and down quite a bit. Still learning, pitching better, sequencing, contacted balls in play is different now,” Megill said of his season so far. “Been efficient since I’ve been back. I’m doing a lot of things right, attacking hitters, getting ahead.
New York can put Megill in the bullpen or send him back down to Syracuse where he can stay stretched out in case they need him back in the rotation.
Megill made one relief appearance for the Mets this season. In the July 31 game against the Twins, he allowed one run on three hits and a walk over two innings of work. But this is a seemingly different Megill who is adamant to contribute to a club that is in the midst of a playoff race.
“My time down in Triple-A was well-spent,” Megill said. “It’s turned around since I’ve been down there and is coming to full effect since I’ve been back up here.”
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